Racism and Sexism Issues - Essay Example

RACISM AND SEXISM The society has undergone significant transformation in terms of social structure. There have been generational changes that come with different experiences and characteristics. However, there re social topics that remains critical in defining the nature of the society. Racism and sex remain contentious issues that affect the society from multidimensional angles. It is evident in the increased campaigned against gender inequality and anti-racism. Sporting activities as observed in regional and global competition has been dominated by spirit of respect for racial diversity. It is worth to note that the extremity of racism is gradually taking a positive direction. The heightened gender equity and equality debate also predicts better future. In essence, this trend is closely related to the existing generation. Racial discrimination based on skin color and language is steadily disappearing among the millennials generation. Several questions have been asked about the subsiding racism in this new generation but the answers are fairly obvious. The emergence of globalization has increased rate of interaction across different social entities and cultural groups. This has enhanced sharing of information on social networking sites, gradual convergence of culture hence increased viewpoint towards racism. When it comes to sexism, access of information n is instantaneous and homogeneous across the world hence reduced information acquisition disparity. This explains the increasing gender based tolerance among this generation. Besides, ability overrides skin color among the millennials hence their inability to amplify racism. The millennials generation believes that racism is more defined based on skin color and once this notion is abandoned, racial tolerance or the phenomenon itself will disappear. As Jamelle puts it, if we ignore skin color in our decisions, then there can’t be racism. This statement is consistent with the concepts of sociology which emphasizes the human competitive nature which constitute efforts to be more superior. Physical appearance and particularly color is used as the standard of measurement from which racism is derived. This explains why the millenials generation thinks that if skin color reference is not used, and then racism will definitely die (Jamelle, 2014). But how possible is it that skin color can be omitted in any interracial interaction. It is therefore a fact to state that racism still exist despite the emerging trend of anti-racism campaign. The racism idea remains innate among the new generation but the socio-economic and political restructure that has emerged from globalization has imposed artificial multi-cultures. Sexism is a key issue that constitutes sociology as a discipline. It is broadly discussed as it remains critical in the contemporary society. What one may wonder is whether feminism campaign and gender equality lobbyists have achieved anything. It can be noted that sexism has significant association with the religious aspect of the society. Muslim community has all along been entangled in patriarchy where womenfolk are relatively overlooked. The role of women is still directed towards inferiority and submission. In the context of religious ground, the place of women has consistently emphasized playing second fiddle in decision making in the society. However, a new twist of events is fast emerging in democratic societies like in United States. Muslim women in United States have been absorbed in the western culture of feminism debate are slowly fighting for their inclusion in decision making bodies (Allan, 2005). This trend is evident in the increase secular dress code that previously restricted Muslim women on zero exposure of body. A lot of lessons can learnt from this case. The pluralist society is increasingly moving towards same social agenda that include unity among women to fight for their recognition and rights despite religious or racial affiliation. Although men have always relied on skewed interpretation of the religious books that are mainly Holy bible and Koran, the overwhelming pluralism and call for human rights is slowly catching up with the society. Previously, the Islamic religion has in the past perfected oppression on women and if it was not for the awareness debate and deliberation attempts in democratic societies like the United States. Taking the case of United States multicultural nature, Muslim women have joined hands with their non-Muslim counterpart to propagate the feminism agenda while still holding to the religion and household responsibilities. It can be noted that the sexism wave is now a global affair and Muslim women have broken away from the cultural chain that enslaved them under the guise of submissiveness. Despite frantic efforts of the community to alter the pattern of social occurrences, there is significant challenge in respect of the myths that are steadfastly held. It is common knowledge that society has gained tremendously in terms of social order. The issue of sexism is dates back to renaissance period when gender roles were designed to the disadvantage of the womenfolk. Taking the case of education which is currently accessible to women, their acceptance on the boardroom and political ideologies still has insignificant effect. Education is seen as a mere socio-economic ladder that elevates women to get jobs. However, the domineering mentality of men still overshadows the reality of change. The place of women is still remains kitchen and general homemaking. This perception is upheld by women themselves since some of them are still waging war against fellows who agitate for freedom and empowerment. Research indicates that there is significant level of psychological enslavement that override womenfolk in as far as the superiority of masculinity is concerned. It is important that the traditional myths are eliminated as the strides so far made in the society evidently demystify such. In line with the ideas of great icons like Gandhi, it can be noted that interpersonal relations hold influence on individual behaviors (Eisa, 2005). This explains the behavior of the mass in various social settings. The existing structural systems continuously manipulate people to believe that things should always remain as they were found. However, the emerging socio-economic and political realignments that entail incorporating women in the workforce, political leadership among other decision making bodies are indicators of progress. Breaking away from the aging patriarchy is a change that is irresistible and characterizes the ongoing gender equality discussion. The legitimacy of change is always accompanied by sacrifice and this is always initiated by a few individuals. From the sociological perspective, reversing norms always face s significant resistance due to unpredictable consequences. It is imperative that internal strength manifest itself through relentless self-expression in action and words. Some of the incriminating evidence on the strength of change can be seen in the ongoing Arab revolution that has turned over tables on the previously strong dictatorial leadership. Such change was brought by action of one person who sacrificed personal life but provoked the need of change among the mass. The picture of a woman in the mind and eyes of a man still remains an instrument of sex. This is one of the hotly contested aspects of gender roles that have consistently fuelled feminism debate. Despite the affirmative action strategies that focusses on empowering the women, there smooth path to realizing absolute freedom is still a pipe dream (Eisa, 2005). Such incidences like sexual harassment are still perpetrated against women psychologically in the way media presents the feminism through nudity. It is worth to conclude that the conflict that still dominate the agenda for change concentrate on realities of racism and sexism. Attempts by the society to reconcile the conflicting parties to the two aforementioned sociology subjects have proved challenges. The truth is that further research is still required to understand the complex structure of the society in regard to the emerging changes in this era of globalization. References Allan G Johnson (2005). What can we do? Becoming part of the solution Eisa Nefertari Ulen (2005).Tapping our strength. Jamelle Bouie (2014). Why Do Millenials Not understand racism? Read More